Rittal launches a Hygienic Design Campaign for the Food & Beverage industry

September 19, 2017

Hygiene is an absolute must in the Food & Beverage industry: Machinery, plant and components must readily withstand daily cleaning with pressure washers and jet steam cleaners. There surfaces must also be easy to clean, and/or designed to prevent contaminants from adhering to them.

Modified design

For Hygienic Design, Rittal has modified the design of its enclosures in a number of respects. For example, the attachment to the enclosure wall using threaded bolts and nuts has been designed so that the screw fastening is not visible from the outside. The enclosure is made from stainless steel with a brushed grain size of 400, producing a surface roughness average – Ra of less than 0.8 mm. The smooth surface finish is easy to clean and disinfect. There are no hard-to-clean gaps where contamination could collect.

The silicone seal between the enclosure and the case prevents the transfer of colourants, flavourings and unwanted odours. The seal eliminates gaps between the air/water heat exchanger and the enclosure which would be difficult to clean. The seals are available as spare parts, and are easily replaced in the event of mechanical damage. The seals are dyed blue in accordance with FDA Guideline 21 CFR 177.2600, making them clearly distinguishable from contaminants such as food residues. The flat seals on the water connection fittings are also dyed blue, and geometrically designed to sit flush against the shape of the fitting. A metal end stop prevents compression of the seal, so that edges cannot protrude and allow contaminants or micro-organisms to accumulate.

Tested hygiene

The top of the enclosure tilts forwards by 30 degrees. This typical Hygienic Design feature prevents objects from being deposited on top of the enclosure, while at the same time ensuring that liquids, such as detergents and disinfectants, run off quickly. With protection categories up to IP 66/69K and NEMA 4X, Rittal’s Hygienic Design enclosures, climate control and accessories meet the demanding requirements of pressure washing and steam cleaning.

Use cooling water to dissipate heat

The Hygienic Design air/water heat exchangers from Rittal are ideally suited to the food industry, where hygiene requirements are exceptionally stringent, and where there is already a central cold water supply available in the production plant.

For more information:

https://www.rittal.com/ca-en/content/en/company/aktuelles_1/news_detail_50176.jsp